Justice for journalists in Turkey

Since the failed coup against the Turkish government, President Erdogan has launched a massive crack down on the press.

His government issued a decree ordering the closure of 131 media organisations, including three news agencies, 16 television channels, 23 radio stations, 45 daily newspapers, 15 magazines and 29 publishing houses. Journalists are being issued with arrest warrants. More than 150 have been jailed. Under the country's state of emergency, the authorities can hold suspects in detention without charge for 30 days.

Media coverage during Turkey’s constitutional referendum in April was criticised by the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) which said the two sides in the campaign did not have equal opportunities. OSCE observers reported that "while the technical aspects of the process were well administered, voters were not provided with impartial information about key aspects of the reform, and limitations on fundamental freedoms had a negative effect". It said civil society organisations were not able to participate. Full statement from the International Referendum Observation Mission.

In April, NUJ president Tim Dawson took part in a meeting with members of the Turkish journalist trade union TGS in the midst of Erdogan's crackdown. Come to Turkey and show your support

A delegation led by the National Union of Journalists has met Turkey's ambassador in London, Abdurrahman Bilgiç, to discuss concerns about the crack down on press freedom following the failed coup in the country and a delegation from the National Union of Journalists met the First Counsellor of the Turkish Embassy in Dublin to discuss these concerns.

"Together we call for an urgent appeal of the life sentences given to these journalists and the swift review of cases in which journalists are imprisoned because of their professional works. We further call for the decriminalisation of journalists in Turkey's justice system."

Forty-five intellectuals and artists have issued a statement offering support to Amberin Zaman and Ceyda Karan, two female journalists who have recently faced continued attacks over Twitter by pro-government activists due to their criticism of the government, a daily said on Monday. Report